Sometimes it feels like everything and everyone is out to get you, though that’s not usually the case.
Most people realise they’re overreacting and come back to reality pretty quickly, but others maintain this mindset of eternal victimisation throughout their lives, and there’s nothing anyone can do to talk them out of it. You can always identify people like this by the things that come out of their mouths. Chances are, these phrases will be common in their vocabulary.
1. “They’re definitely talking about me in that group chat.”
We’ve all felt that gut punch seeing the typing bubbles pop up in a chat we’re not part of. Your phone gets suspiciously quiet while everyone else’s keeps buzzing. The group chat you’re in suddenly goes dead silent for hours. Meanwhile, your brain’s cooking up stories about all the tea being spilled about you. That one blue tick from hours ago starts feeling really personal. Your thumb hovers over starting a new chat just to test the waters.
2. “Yeah, they only invited me because someone else cancelled.”
The invite lands in your inbox two days after everyone else got theirs. You’re already convinced you’re the backup plan before you even RSVP. That casual “hope you can make it!” feels loaded with fake enthusiasm. You spend way too long wondering who dropped out to free up your spot. The whole thing feels like a pity invite anyway. You’re already planning your excuse not to go.
3. “Did you catch that tone just now?”
Their “morning” didn’t have the usual pep to it today. You’re ready to swear they usually say “good morning” instead of just “morning.” The coffee run didn’t include the usual chat by the machine. Their smile seemed kind of forced — definitely not the usual one. Something’s up, and you’re absolutely sure of it. Time to replay that two-second interaction for the next three hours.
4. “Ever since that meeting, everyone’s been weird.”
That totally normal Monday meeting suddenly feels like a turning point in office politics. You start noticing how Sarah from accounting takes a different route to her desk. Dave’s “busy” calendar looks like a strategic move to avoid you. That feedback about the project? Definitely code for something else. The break room gets quiet when you walk in — coincidence? Your brain says no way. The office vibe feels off, and you’re convinced it’s all connected to that meeting.
5. “They’re trying to phase me out, I can tell.”
The new hire’s desk is suspiciously close to yours. Suddenly, everyone’s getting copied on emails that used to be just for you. That training session you weren’t invited to? Totally suspicious. Your projects are getting smaller while everyone else seems busier. The writing’s on the wall — at least according to your anxiety. Time to update that LinkedIn profile, just in case.
6. “Left on read since this morning? They’re mad at me.”
The message shows they saw it six hours ago. Your brain’s already written five different scenarios about what you did wrong. You’re googling “how to unsend a message” just in case. Every notification makes your heart jump, but it’s never them. Maybe you should send another message? Nope, that’ll make it worse. Guess you’ll just stare at those blue ticks some more.
7. “Those two definitely just whispered about me.”
You walk by, and the conversation drops to whispers. Must be about that presentation you just gave. Or maybe that comment you made in the meeting. Or your new haircut. Or that thing you said three weeks ago. The laugh that follows? Obviously, about you. Time to take the long way to the printer from now on.
8. “They’re being super nice… what do they want?”
Someone brings you coffee without asking, and your suspicion meter hits maximum. The compliment about your work feels like a setup for asking a favour. That friendly chat by the lift? They’re definitely buttering you up for something. Nobody’s just nice for no reason, right? Your guard’s up, and you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop.
9. “Watch how they always leave when I show up.”
People finishing their lunch right as you sit down feels personal. That meeting wrapping up just as you join? Too convenient to be coincidence. You start timing your breaks differently to test your theory. The evidence keeps piling up in your mind. Maybe you should start eating lunch at your desk. Your brain’s already tracking everyone’s exit patterns.
10. “This project’s a setup — they want me to fail.”
The deadline looks impossible right from the start. The brief feels vague in all the wrong places. Everyone else got the easy stuff while you’re stuck with this mess. The resources you need are mysteriously unavailable. Your backup options are all conveniently busy. This whole thing feels like a test you’re meant to fail.
11. “The room got really quiet when I walked in.”
The laughter cuts off mid-sentence as soon as you appear. Everyone suddenly needs to check their phones. The conversation topic changes faster than a traffic light. You caught the end of your name as you walked up. The awkward silence feels heavy enough to swim in. Time to pretend you actually came in here for something else.
12. “Bet they’re all hanging out right now without me.”
It’s Friday night and your Instagram feed is suspiciously quiet. Nobody’s posting stories for the first time in forever. That “maybe next time” from earlier starts making more sense. Your FOMO’s working overtime picturing the fun they’re having. The group chat’s dead silent which definitely means they made a new one without you.
13. “Everyone’s probably ripping my presentation apart right now.”
You stumbled on one slide, and now it’s definitely office gossip material. That polite applause at the end? Purely pity claps. The questions at the end felt like traps. You keep catching people glancing your way during lunch. Your inbox is quiet — too quiet. Time to hide in your office and overthink every single moment.
14. “That email was totally passive-aggressive.”
That “per my last email” feels like a personal attack. Why did they CC your boss on that reply? The exclamation points look fake cheerful. You’re reading between lines that probably don’t even exist. That “thanks in advance” definitely had an attitude. Time to spend an hour crafting the perfect reply that shows you’re unbothered (but you totally are).
